Tracker diesel swap

[muhnihausen]

Well its time to replace my 8v motor. It runs great, but has developed a knock. I haven't pulled the pan, but I suspect a spun bearing. Still up in the air about a rebuild, but with 209k on the clock, I have a feeling the motor will need above average machining work (and it is possible it has been partially rebuilt before). So during the upcoming holidays I'm looking at going diesel.

Anyone have experience with Quality German Auto Parts and their motors? Anyone have a lead on a better source?

I'm still tossing around 1.6TD vs a 1.9TD, but judging by their prices I'm not sure I can justify an extra $1300 for the larger motor. And that is on top of the extra $$ for the more expensive 1.9TD ACME adapter (and oil filter relocator).

The tracker isn't my DD, but I'm hoping to relieve my Land Rover a bit so it will likely see a lot of highway miles -- meaning I still need more than adequate road speed. I'm already planning to go to 31's and possibly the higher ratio 5th gear tranny. I'm pretty sure my truck still has the 5.125 gears.

Any opinions on the 1.6TD/1.9TD debate? I'm only going to do this once!

[AcmeAdapters]

Sounds like you would be better off with the 1.9. More power, more fuel and as said more money. You may not get more than 28-30 with the 1.9. If you can live with lessor power, better fuel mpg then spend the lessor money. The 1.6 should get you about 34-38 mpg but all depends on the engine condition, tire size and gearing. 

The sidekicks and trackers only have one fifth gear ratio .86 to 1. The options for axle ratios are 5.12, 4.65 and 4.30

Quality German is an OK place to purchase an engine 1.6 or 1.9. Just be sure to tell Thomas you want a jetta or golf engine for the best manifold configuration.

Sidekicks and trackers are a bit heavier tan a samurai, Bigger is better.

[muhnihausen]

Thanks for the info. I have a message from Thomas so I need to call him tomorrow. I'm leaning towards the 1.9, but finding the cash during the holidays is always challenging. Adapter + Motor + lift rental = expensive (and angry wife).

I guess I was confusing the sammy's transmission ratios. Will the 5.12 gears be fine with 31's? or do I need to drop down to a taller diff?

Thanks,
Justin

[AcmeAdapters]

If you do not plan it as a daily driver you will like the 5.12 ratio but if you want to do more freeway driving you will be better off with the 4.62 (sorry not 4.65)

Keep her happy!

[4wheeler]

I m in canada and have a 1.9TD in my sidekick that runs great as we speak.
I ve just rebuilt another 1.9TD with gurdle piston rings pulley mod bigger turbo ARP studs
ported head manifold etc...

I`ll be selling this one in a week or 2.

Its from a 96 golf that had 180 000kms on it. runs well, K03 turbo.
If you don`t SAS your tracker you ll need acmes pan which is the extra expense over the sammi swap.

PM me and I`ll give you a price.

[ScotY]

The sidekicks and trackers only have one fifth gear ratio .86 to 1. The options for axle ratios are 5.12, 4.65 and 4.30

Hi Jeff,
Would you happen to know what versions came with 4.30 gears?  What's the smallest tire you can run at highway speeds?

[AcmeAdapters]

For sidekicks and trackers 235-15 works well with the 4.30 ratio axle gears.

The 4.30 gears were only made 1996-1998 and only came in California 4 door model automatic version vehicles. We have good used sets if you cannot find them.

[littlered]

For sidekicks and trackers 235-15 works well with the 4.30 ratio axle gears.

The 4.30 gears were only made 1996-1998 and only came in California 4 door model automatic version vehicles. We have good used sets if you cannot find them.

i have a 95 sunrunner 16v auto that had 4.30 gears in it before the front diff split then i put 4.62s in it front and rear....its a 2dr soft top as well.

[littlered]

  I also have a 97 tracker with  the acme kit  with a 1.9 turbo diesel in it  with 512 gears and have run 31 tires on it and ran awesome down the highway , presently swappint the  kit into  my 93  with a sas and the 1.9td....cant wait till its finished 

[mud and diesel]

I would say either a 1.6 or a 1.9 is good in a swb vitara/tracker but i would tweek the 1.6 a bit. Im running 4.8 diffs in mine (must be a uk thing) and have done a few tweeks, i must say im very happy with it!

[mtnsammy]

Just my humble opinion on Quality Engines is never again. Could do more but does not. has the ability but won't. was given the chance but did not.

Then again not many others are selling the VW motors. There is a guy in Parumph?? Nevada selling parts and motors mostly for VW Vanagons but he also buys from Thomas. Most of us do not have leakdowntesters and the skill right away to test these motors when we buy them. Now that I have been playing a while I have tested several and bought none. Seems when you can show and tell them the motor is bad they want to sell it to someone else less experienced.

I have long since burned my bridge with Quality Motors so I have nothing to loose. My dealings were all bad and Thomas was less than helpful with the sale or exchange.

I am trying to set up with wrecking yards for the newer TDI motors hoping I can get the electronics figured out, simple for all, by the same time I get the access to the motors.

I would go with the 1.9 if I were to start over anyways.